Facility Dog Program
Children's Mercy's facility dogs provide comfort, motivation and smiles to our patients and families. Our dogs are born and raised at a nonprofit organization called Canine Assistants, Inc. in Milton, GA. Their special schooling and calming presence make them a paw-fect match for our program.
What do the facility dogs do?
Studies show that dogs can reduce stress and help people feel better. Spending time with a dog can help the hospital feel more like home. For some children, there's no better medicine than snuggling in bed with a warm fluffy friend.
The dogs spend their days helping patients reach goals. Each patient has their own set of goals that are related to why they are in the hospital. For example, one patient’s goal might be walking after surgery, while another patient’s goal might be working hard to feel less scared in the hospital.
Outside of work, the dogs live with their primary handlers. When the dogs are not at the hospital, they relax and spend time with their families.
How can I meet a facility dog?
If you think your child would benefit from a facility dog visit, please contact a member of the Patient and Family Services Department. They will work with our facility dog handlers to assess your child’s need for a visit. Dogs at Children’s Mercy are popular pups, and while we do our best to meet all requests, we cannot promise a visit.
I want to learn more
The Children's Mercy Facility Dog Program is made possible by generous support from caring individuals, businesses and organizations. For more information about the Children's Mercy Facility Dog Program, please email DogPrograms@cmh.edu.
Meet our facility dogs
Hunter
Hunter was born Feb. 2, 2014 and he began working at Children's Mercy in June 2015. Hunter and his handler work at the Adele Hall Campus. For many years, he spent time supporting patients on 4 Henson Hall. Hunter now works part-time, primarily in the Center for Wellbeing, providing support to staff.
*Hunter passed away in August 2026
Jellybean
Jellybean was born Dec. 10, 2020, and she began working at Children's Mercy in October 2022. Jellybean and her handler work in the Kreamer Resource Center providing support to caregivers. Jellybean brings lots of smiles and comfort to the patients and families she sees.
Jellybean also works with her secondary handlers in the SCAN clinic and on 4 Henson Hall.
Litta
Litta was born Aug 12, 2018, and she began working at Children's Mercy in October 2022. Litta and her handler focus most of their efforts with our cardiology patients admitted to the CICU and 4 Sutherland. Litta can often be seen with a big bright bow!
Litta also works alongside her secondary handler supporting patients in outpatient clinics at Adele Hall.
Dusty
Dusty was born on Nov 13, 2021, and she began working at Children's Mercy in October 2023. Dusty and her handler are consult-based and work with patients all over the Adele Hall campus providing therapeutic interventions and support. Dusty also works alongside her secondary handler, supporting families in the Intensive Care Nursery. Dusty’s calm, comforting presence helps make the hospital stay easier for the patients and families she supports.
Patsy
Patsy was born on June 23, 2023, and she began working at Children’s Mercy in December 2024. Patsy and her handler work with our Behavioral Health population. Patsy brings joy to work every day, providing patients with a safe space while at Children’s Mercy.
Patsy also works alongside her secondary handlers on 5 Sutherland and 6 Hall, as well as in the Center for Wellbeing providing support to individuals in the Pediatric Residency Program.
Bryn
Bryn was born on October 16, 2021, and she began working at Children’s Mercy in March 2026. Bryn has previous experience working at another children’s hospital supporting patients in critical care. Bryn and her handler now work together on 4 Henson Hall, specifically focusing on the Bone Marrow Transplant unit.
Benny
Benny was born on November 18,, 2023 and began working at Children’s Mercy in April 2026. Benny and his handlers work at Children’s Mercy Kansas, providing comfort, motivation, and support to patients and families in our outpatient clinics and the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Benny brings lots of joy to the patients and families he sees!
Pet Pals program
The Pet Pals program allows patients and staff members at both the Adele Hall campus and the Children’s Mercy Kansas location, the opportunity to interact with hospital volunteers and their trained and certified dogs. Does your dog have what it takes to be a Pet Pal?